Published January 15, 2026. Last updated August 28, 2026. Verify current rules on the government portal edcardaruba.aw before your trip.
The ED Card is a free ($0) electronic form collecting passport and flight details. The Sustainability Fee is a mandatory $20 USD tourism levy paid during the ED Card submission. They are not separate options; the fee is collected inside the form, producing one confirmation required for departure.
The difference: the ED Card is the $0 form; the Sustainability Fee is the mandatory $20 USD levy collected inside it. The ED Card, or Embarkation/Disembarkation Card, is a mandatory pre-registration form costing $0, and you can review the full Aruba ED Card requirements before starting. The Sustainability Fee is an environmental tourism levy introduced in July 2024.
Submitting the ED Card on the government platform automatically prompts the $20 fee payment before issuing a confirmation with a green checkmark and QR code. The fee is embedded; you cannot bypass it.
What Is the ED Card and the Sustainability Fee?
The ED Card is a free digital form, while the Sustainability Fee is a mandatory $20 USD environmental levy collected during its submission. The ED Card itself costs $0, requires 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and is mandatory for all air travelers entering Aruba.
Implemented in July 2024 and integrated into the ED Card platform on October 30, 2024, the fee funds beach preservation, ecosystem protection, and wastewater treatment, bundling both requirements in one step. The platform is managed by the Aruban government, and data is used by DIMAS for border control and pre-screening.
How the ED Card Links to the Sustainability Fee Step by Step
The ED Card triggers the $20 Sustainability Fee payment screen automatically during submission, one integrated process.
Go to edcardaruba.aw
Begin the form on the government platform.
Fill in personal and travel details
Include passport number, flight number, and accommodation address.
Upload a passport scan
Upload a passport scan or passport photo from your smartphone gallery.
Sustainability Fee payment screen appears
The payment screen appears automatically during submission.
Pay $20 USD
Pay via Visa, Mastercard, or Discover, which are the accepted payment methods.
Receive confirmation
Get a green checkmark, QR code, and email confirmation to show at check-in.
ED Card vs. Sustainability Fee Comparison
The ED Card is the free form; the Sustainability Fee is the $20 USD payment collected within it, same process, different functions.
| Feature | ED Card | Sustainability Fee |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Free digital Embarkation/Disembarkation form collecting passport, flight, and accommodation details | Mandatory environmental tourism levy |
| Cost | $0 (free) | $20 USD per person |
| Who pays | All air travelers entering Aruba, including infants | Air travelers aged 8 and older |
| Purpose | Border control and pre-screening by DIMAS | Beach preservation and sustainable tourism projects |
| Where it’s paid | Submitted on the ED Card platform | Collected during ED Card submission, not a separate transaction |
| Exemptions | None, mandatory for every traveler | Children under 8, Aruba residents, transit passengers under 24 hours, on-duty crew, returning visitors within 12 months |
| Refundability | Not applicable (no charge) | Refund eligibility depends on flight cancellation conditions; contact AWSS at [email protected] or +297 2800436 |
Who Must Pay and Who Is Exempt?
The $20 Sustainability Fee applies to air travelers aged 8 and older. Exempt categories include children under 8 (see rules for children and infants), Aruba residents, transit passengers staying under 24 hours, on-duty crew members, and returning visitors who paid within the past 12 months. The ED Card platform auto-checks eligibility during submission. Exempt travelers still complete the free ED Card form but are not charged. If incorrectly charged, contact AWSS (Aruba Wastewater Sustainable Solutions / AWSS N.V.) at [email protected] or +297 2800436.
Can I Get a Refund on the Sustainability Fee?
Sustainability Fee refund eligibility depends on flight cancellation conditions, and you can review the full refund policy for denied entry or overcharges. If your flight is cancelled or dates change, contact AWSS at [email protected] or +297 2800436. Required documentation includes your ED Card confirmation and proof of cancellation. Partial refunds may apply. Non-refundable scenarios include voluntary trip cancellation. The ED Card form has no cost, so no refund applies to it. For ED Card support, call +297 2808000 or email [email protected].
What to Watch Out For: Scam Sites and Extra Fees
Third-party websites may charge inflated service fees above the $20 Sustainability Fee, resulting in hidden fees and third-party markups. The total cost on the government portal edcardaruba.aw should never exceed $20 per person. Verify the URL uses the .aw country-code TLD. International cardholders may see slight currency conversion surcharges from their bank. For ED Card support, contact +297 2808000 or [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the ED Card free or do I have to pay for it?
The ED Card is $0. The only cost is the mandatory $20 USD Sustainability Fee, collected during the final submission step.
What happens if I fill out the ED Card but don’t pay the Sustainability Fee?
You will not receive the required travel confirmation. Without paying the fee and obtaining the QR code and green checkmark, you may face issues during airline check-in or boarding pass issuance.
Can I pay the Sustainability Fee in cash at the airport instead of online?
There is no cash payment fallback at Queen Beatrix International Airport. The $20 USD must be paid online via Visa, Mastercard, or Discover during ED Card submission. Contact AWSS before departure if you cannot pay online.
Do I need to submit the ED Card separately from paying the Sustainability Fee?
No. Both are integrated into one process: the $20 payment screen appears automatically during the free ED Card submission, and payment produces one confirmation.
How long before my flight should I complete the ED Card and pay the fee?
Submit up to 7 days before departure; recommended 3 to 5 days ahead. Completing it at least 72 hours before your flight ensures you receive the QR code and confirmation in time.
How is the $20 Sustainability Fee collected through the ED Card form?
During ED Card submission, the platform automatically displays the $20 payment screen after you enter travel details. You pay with Visa, Mastercard, or Discover, then receive a green checkmark and QR code confirmation.
Is the Sustainability Fee the same as a visa or entry permit?
No. It is an environmental tourism levy introduced in July 2024. US citizens are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days but must still complete the ED Card and pay the $20 fee if aged 8 or older.
What confirmation do I get after paying the Sustainability Fee with the ED Card?
You receive an electronic confirmation with a green checkmark and QR code, sent to your email. Show it at the airline check-in counter, boarding gate, and Aruba airport immigration.
Are there any exemptions from the $20 Sustainability Fee?
Yes. Exemptions apply to children under 8, Aruba residents, transit passengers under 24 hours, on-duty crew, and returning visitors who paid within the past 12 months. The platform auto-checks eligibility.
Can I pay the Sustainability Fee using Apple Pay or Google Pay?
No. The ED Card platform accepts only Visa, Mastercard, and Discover credit or debit cards. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal are not supported. Use a compatible card to complete the $20 payment.
